SEXUAL AND MARITAL SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTHOOD: EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD VIOLENCE EXPOSURE

Abstract Objectives Guided by Finkelhor and Browne’s traumagenic dynamics model, the current study examines: 1) long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) other adverse experiences (ACEs) on older adults’ marital satisfaction, 2) mediating role intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in association between adversities 3) whether gender moderates mediational association. Research Design Methods Using Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we analyzed data from 4,239 adults 2004/2005 (Wave 1, Mean age = 65 years) 2011 2, 72 collections. The structural modeling approach was employed where independent variables were CSA ACEs, dependent satisfaction Wave mediators IPV 1. Results Both ACEs associated with lower levels late adulthood. mediated satisfaction. hypothesized moderated mediation not supported. Discussion Implications: a population-based sample, this is one first studies demonstrating that distal life events such as can undermine health, revictimization adulthood may serve mechanism for Timely intervention needed to prevent persistent negative violence.